I’m afraid I’m missing the Namm show this year, but it sure was a treat to go to last summer’s Namm in Nashville. This convention is really a world unto itself, and after doing 35 in a row from 1982 to around 1997 (two a year), I was not only burned out from them, but the tragedy of losing my wife and daughter in a car accident in 1998 was just too much for me to carry while dealing with such an onslaught of people, noise and general craziness. I also, was frankly too afraid that I was going to be standing there, telling person after person about the tragedy in my life, and it was going to be just too debilitating to go through.

That’s why when I finally did choose to return, I chose the rather benign Nashville Summer Namm, rather than the “larger than life” Anaheim show, which takes everything out of me!

Still, it can be a very rewarding experience, and I love connecting and re-connecting with folks all throughout the industry, and since I have worn so many “hats” over the course of my career, you just never know what subject or person I’ll be dealing with at any given moment!

At one instance I may be talking to a fan, then I turn around and someone wants me to play their amp, then at the next moment I may see someone I had signed to Hot Licks years ago. You just never know, and I guess that’s what makes it exciting!

So, to all those in attendance this summer, I say hi, and miss you, and hope you have a great show. I’ll be thinking of you all, and I’ll be hoping that you’re doing good business!